By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
With the evolution of social media, viral slangs from music, movies, and street culture, have continued to trend and constantly infused in the everyday conversation among Nigerians across locations, culture, status, and age.
It was not different in 2025 like other years, as there have been a number of catchphrases that dominated conversations among Nigerians.
Impact Nigeria Newspaper, in this article, highlights these popular slangs that went viral in 2025.
Chakam
Among the popular slangs of 2025 is “Chakam,” which was used commonly on social media to mean to keep a record, typically by taking a screenshot as proof for future use.
The catchphrase mimics the sound of a camera shutter.
Ganusi
The slang ‘Ganusi’ is used humorously to refer to someone who inserts themselves into situations where they were neither invited nor entitled to benefits including food, clothes, money, etc. It is synonymous to gate-crashing, freeloading, or meddling.
The term was made popular by Fuji music icon Wasiu “K1” Ayinde, who in January 2025 used it to describe some Islamic clerics during the Fidau for his late mother, Alimotu Anifowoshe.
Sope purr
This slang literally means ‘Say purr.’ It was one of the slangs that gained traction in 2025 and is a playful way of conveying excitement, satisfaction, or encouragement. It is often used to hype someone or affirm confidence.
Achalugo
In 2025, Nigerians could not get enough of the endearing term, “Achalugo,” following its use in Omoni Oboli’s film, “Love in Every Word.”
“Achalugo” is an Igbo term of endearment used to describe a woman of beauty, prestige, and strength. It translates to “the pride of the eagle” or “the beauty of the eagle.”
The slang became a national sensation and especially used by ladies to describe themselves as high-value women or by men in referring affectionately to their partners.
Labubu
Labubu, the quirky, toothy doll, comes from a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung.
It became popular in June when the toy sold for millions of dollars on first auction, with some Nigerians buying theirs for over N200,000. The doll turned to a must-have global fashion accessory, allowing users to attach them stylishly to personal items with hinged key rings.
Although it has no literal meaning, the slang is now used to describe oversized or free-flowing outfits, as well as a cute but eerie aesthetic that reflects playful chaos.
Everywhere go first blurr
This 2025 sensational catchphrase is humorously used to express an unexpected confusion, shock, disappointment, or an emotionally overwhelming situation.
It is used to suggest that initial moment where everything suddenly feels unclear or chaotic, especially after a bad or negative incident.
Nepo baby/Lapo baby
The “nepo baby/lapo baby” term started off on X (formerly Twitter) as a trend to show the class different in availability and access to opportunities among people from different social classes.
“Nepo baby” refers to someone born into privilege who attains success mainly due to family connections. Their parents are often politicians, wealthy businesspeople, or celebrities, affording them access to opportunities that are unavailable to others.
“Lapo baby”, on the other hand, describes individuals who grow up without privilege or influential connections. The term is often used by individuals hustling to succeed independently, without the benefit of parental wealth or support.
Clock it
This is another feel-good slang that dominated conversations among Nigerians in 2025. The catchphrase is more popular on TikTok but has permeated other social media platforms.
“Clock it” means to notice, expose, or call out something that is either hidden or blatantly obvious. It is also used to show agreement.
If e reach your turn
As a multilingual society, Nigerian slangs originate from various languages, including the Pidgin English. In 2025, the phrase “If e reach your turn,” which means “when it is your turn,” took over interactions among Nigerians on social media.
The phrase is often used sarcastically to do otherwise when they are in certain positions or on how people behave once they finally get an opportunity or a position of power.
Take am play
Another popular Pidgin English phrase that went viral in 2025 is “Take am play” used to stress the seriousness or importance of an issue, often as a warning not to take matters lightly.
Cooked
This catchphrase is used to describe someone who is mentally or physically exhausted, disoriented, or completely worn out, often after a long day.
Ate
To say someone “Ate” is to say that the person outdid themselves in a particular task or endeavour. It is often used as a way of praise and sometimes said as “He/she ate and left no crumbs.”
Atasa/Ataasa
This catchphrase became popular through skits and viral sounds. It means wonderful, impressive, or magnificent, and often used enthusiastically.
Involve me
This popular 2025 slang means to include someone in a lucrative deal or opportunity. It became popular towards the festive period when people requested to be included in plans for parties or other festive fun activities.
Kundusi
“Kundusi” is a corrupt form of “kudos.” It became popular after the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), MC Oluomo, famously mispronounced “kudos.”
The slang is now popularly and humorously used to express appreciation or commend someone.
Gadus
The slang “Gadus” originated from the nickname of a young Nigerian, Abdulgafar Saad, whom his friends used to tease.
It is used to express disbelief or to dismiss something as ridiculous, often in a joking manner.
